In 2019, the council established policies regarding the naming of streets and public facilities after citizens who contributed to the City of Fairfield (Attachment 4). Key provisions for receiving honors included persons who enhanced the quality of life and well-being of city residents, contributed to the preservation of the city’s history or culture; and made exemplary or meritorious contributions to the city or its residents. At the council’s unanimous direction, staff prepared a resolution to name the Great Park in honor of former councilmember Matt Garcia.

Through his enthusiastic participation in local organizations and the council, focusing especially on youth outreach and empowerment, Councilmember Garcia certainly merits recognition. As the biography on the Matt Garcia Foundation homepage notes:

“Matt’s dream involved supporting the youth and creating places for them to go and things for them to do. Changing a culture of violence and crime in the city through youth involvement. By uniting a community, all people will have a sense of belonging and responsibility to the city of Fairfield. Matt’s life was cut short, but his legacy, work, and heart live on.”

As the Great Park will provide a significant recreational resource for youth and family in northeastern Fairfield, and the city as a whole, naming the park after Matt Garcia is a worthy honor.